George and the Dragon

by Louie Stowell

This title provides a gently humorous retelling of 'George and the Dragon', with easy-to-read text and colourful illustrations. The book includes background to the legend and the art it has inspired, with a reproduction of the famous Paolo Uccello painting, and internet links to more paintings of 'George and the Dragon'.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Louie Stowell started her career writing carefully researched books about space, ancient Egypt, politics, and science, but eventually she lapsed into just making stuff up. She likes writing about dragons, wizards, vampires, fairies, monsters, and parallel worlds. Louie Stowell currently works as the publisher of Ladybird Books and lives in London with her wife, Karen; her dog, Buffy; and a creepy puppet that is probably cursed.

Reviews

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saint George and the Dragon is a children's picture book retold by Louie Stowell and illustrated by John Joven. It cursory retells the story of Saint George and the Dragon for its target's audience – young children. As today is Saint George's Day (23 April), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.

Stowell's text is simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This narrative is rather faithful of the version of the story in retold in an easy-to-read retelling manner. Additionally, there is background information about the story and reproductions of the art that it has inspired both of which support enjoyment and understanding of the great legend. Joven's illustration is nicely done and rather apropos to the target audience.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a humorous re-telling of the legendary tale, specially written for children who are starting to read on their own, that bring the story of a fire-breathing dragon, a princess in peril, and a bold knight to life.

All in all, Saint George and the Dragon is a nicely done picture book about the retelling of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon and made it accessible to children learning to read, which was done moderately well.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss 3 and I like to explore different books at the library and try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

Miss 3 thought it was okay. She likes the princess books where they have a bit more agency. I ended up changing some of the text but it's still very much a Prince rescues Princess kind of story. I did like that the additional information at the back.

[Mr Bramley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and beautifully illustrated re-telling of George and the Dragon.

This version is easy enough for independent reading in a classroom, but also had a great section at the end of the book about the history of the story. It even has an old painting that inspired this version, and you can look at the illustrated version in the book compared to the historical painting.

Something that could be used in classroom as a comparison activity.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the history lesson and extra online links at the end.

[Set · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short chapter book with one dimensional, bland illustrations to the story of St. George.

[Hm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nice